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I can't believe it. I never thought I'd see the day! I saw a longhaired security guard, in full uniform (including tie), with a great-looking dark brown ponytail flowing down to his lower back...
Security guards have traditionally been very similar looking in their appearance to policemen. Very short hair is usually their "norm"; but 2 days ago, I saw my first longhaired security guard - AMAZING!! He was very professional though, even got to witness him "in action", dealing with 2 different trouble-makers (this was inside a popular restaurant close to Powell & Market Streets, in downtown San Francisco, not far from a rougher neighborhood that gets a lot of drug addicts and drunks wandering in).
When I was younger, choosing a profession like wanting to become a security guard or policeman meant the death of any hope to growing my hair long. Artist, musician, school teacher, landscaper, or any form of self-employment - YES, no problem growing your hair long in any of those fields; but stay far far away from any traditionally "conservative" career direction...
Ahhh, the world is indeed changing -- and in some delightful cases, actually changing for the better!
- Ken
Nice!
I've seen a few with longish hair, but never with that long!
Cool! However, I'm a bit surprised you haven't seen one before. I've seen several long haired male security guards over the past three decades. First time was in college back in 1984.
It is true that progress is being made. A couple of years ago I saw a long haired male bank teller for the first time. I never expected that to happen in a million years in the conservative banking industry.
Hi Ken,
I know that may seem like a rarity but I can confirm I've seem longhairs in several professions that you would think would be off limit to it.One sighting that comes to mind is a day I went into an office building and caught, out of the corner of my eye, what looked like someone with a near waist length ponytail at the elevator.At first I thought it was a woman but in reality it was a man in a full dress suit!That was amazing and very refreshing to see :)Still I know they are in the minority but its cool when you see them in real life:) Hope all has been well with you Ken :) Cheers
Mârk
Ken, As a corrections officer for 25 years I wore my hair very long. I wore it tied back and mostly tucked behind shirt when I was "inside". Had a supervisor(Captain)tell me I could wear my "tail" out if I wanted to and I did occasionally. I usually felt more "secure" with it tucked for higher security levels. Wore a full trimmed beard as well because I had a medical exemption. I get a staff infection if I shave. I wear it completely out and not tied much now that I am retired. have been letting the beard grow out as well!
jonalbear
Hi JB,
I have to admit I never had any idea that's what you used to do for a living.Knowing that this would be a good time to ask a question.Why are they called "Corrections Officers"? How do you "correct" the element you are paid to watch? Inquiring minds want to know my friend ;) Cheers
Mârk
I'll take a stab at that. The facilities are called
correctional facilities, the idea being that inmates at the
correctional facilties can be 'rehabilitated."
The recidivisim rate indicates that they can't always be
rehabilitaded.
Long Hair in Albany,
Like your opening pun whether it was intentional or not. LOL
Like I mentioned to Mark and you allude to, change or rehabilitation has to come from within and it is not always possible for some individuals.
Take care,
jonalbear
Hi Mark. A Corrections Officer is what I was officially refered to as but the word correction can be confusing. Correction can only come frome within the individual
A COs main purpose is to protect the public and therefore keeping offenders off the street and helping to guide them towards a path where they will fit into society. Not an easy task and recidivism rates are high at times as LHiA suggests.
Take care,
jonalbear
Hi JB,
Thanks for your explanation as I'm guessing that is more the politically correct term used today.I'm sure back in the day you guys had a more no non sense title like prison guard or Warden who runs the place.And of course the convicts lived in the slammer! Maybe there were even more blunt terms used back then.Cheers
Mârk
I would mention that a year or so ago they were building a storage facility near where I work and one day they had police there directing traffic. One of those policemen had long hair
down to his waist. The times they are a changing.
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I have seen longhair security guards at the local supermarket where I shop.
Scott
Hmmmm, must have been a "Whole Foods" supermarket or should I say "Whole Paycheck" ;) LOL Cheers
Mârk
Maybe he was Native. A lot of Native guys (myself included) are starting to assert our cultural rights again. Our people won a lot out of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and a lot people are taking this stuff forward. I didn't used to take so much notice of diversity statements and policies but I do now. There has been too long that Native Americans have been attempted to be coerced by European-Amreican society into believing that somehow our Native cultures do not have equal validity with European cultural norms. The resilience of our cultures is shown by their survival and our identity is gaining again. Not bad after 500 years of genocide and disease.
Have a great day all :).
Wow! I've never seen a long haired man in a more conservative business and/or security world....the exceptions being in the computer and scientific fields.
Can't wait to see one!